MN SF2696

Ballot board meetings would be subject to Minnesota's Open Meeting Law (chapter 13D), requiring candidates, their representatives, and political party representatives to be allowed to observe all ballot board work including ballot counting

Each candidate may have one representative observe the acceptance/rejection of absentee ballot envelopes, plus one additional representative when secrecy envelopes are opened and ballots are deposited and counted

Creates new section 204C.362 establishing public observation rights during election recounts, including a designated public viewing area where cell phones and video cameras are permitted if not disruptive

During recounts, ballot containers must be unsealed and resealed in public view, and candidates may have one representative observe precinct sorting plus one additional representative during the counting phase

Prohibits candidates, representatives, and the public from handling ballots or election materials, and requires officials to ensure observers do not interfere with counting processes